Let's keep glowing
Long gone are the days when a pupil's learning environment was confined within the four walls of a classroom. Thanks to resources like Glow Meet not only are physical, geographical and time constraints broken down, but schools also have an opportunity to access innovative learning experiences and interact with each other in a remarkable way, which facilitates the delivery of Curriculum for Excellence.
The perfect chemistry
The first ever national Glow Meet for chemistry classes, hosted in Aberdeen Grammar School, certainly triggered a reaction among the pupils and teachers across Scotland who logged in for the event. Craig Burnett, a recent entrant to the profession, shared his exciting journey from Banchory Academy, Kincardineshire, to his current position with Talisman Energy, and guided the audience through the Higher Chemistry content statements about the chemical industry, offering tips and advice.
Gavin Smith shared his vast experience in various areas of the chemical industry, and helped pupils to appreciate the huge responsibility that can fall on the shoulders of an engineer. A Chartered Chemical Engineer, currently working for Aberdeen-based consultancy Maxoil, Gavin believes that it's important to promote the industry to aspiring young chemical engineers and dispel some common myths about the field.
'I am a strong believer that if we nurture the youth of today, we help grow better adults in the future. I enjoyed interacting with potential engineers and scientists during the Glow Meet, and I think that it is important to give young students a sense of perspective as to where their studies may lead them in the future,' says Gavin. 'A common misconception exists that chemical engineers spend most of their time in a laboratory doing chemistry. I personally do not deal with reacting chemicals – rather I deal with processes that involve chemicals and chemical reactions. In general terms, chemists are concerned with the interaction of chemicals with each other, while chemical engineers are more concerned with how a chemical interacts with its surroundings.'
Some of the teachers who logged in for the event left glowing feedback in the National Sciences Glow Group. 'I thought the presentation worked very well and that Craig and Gavin were very interesting, and covered the topic well. I found Glow Meet very easy to use. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to join in this morning. I will keep a lookout for more Glow Meet events,' said one teacher. While another commented: 'This was my first experience of Glow Meet and it was a very positive one. Gavin and Craig were excellent at giving the pupils a wider perspective of the applications of chemistry after school. We will definitely participate again.'
Users with a Glow log-in can download this Glow Meet at www.Glowhelp.me/engineer
Glow goes undercover
Thousands of school pupils from across Scotland logged in for a Glow Meet session with Anthony Horowitz, the best-selling author of the Alex Rider spy novels (among many other fantastic books). Arranged by The Scottish Book Trust, the event was also broadcast live over the Internet on streaming video and it’s estimated that up to 11,000 fans around Scotland viewed the event, with hundreds of them joining in the Glow Chat afterwards.
Anthony answered questions from pupils from Uphall Primary, Broxburn and Canal View Primary, Edinburgh, and tackled some of the many questions submitted by schools in the run-up up to the event – revealing his favourite children's authors (Philip Pullman and Michael Morpurgo) and even his favourite breakfast (Weetabix and cold milk). Anthony also admitted that all of his teachers have appeared in one of his books, and that he has had them all meet a sticky end.
Following his lively talk, Anthony joined the virtual discussion on Glow Chat, answering some of the record-breaking number of questions posted online.
Fiona MacAlister, class teacher, Drumlemble Primary School, Argyll, was particularly impressed by the event. 'If there is a way to encourage children to want to read and write this is it – the children were desperately hunting the library to read his books. Anthony Horowitz is living proof that writing can be fun,' says Fiona. 'Glow Meet opens the door to children in rural schools who cannot attend events easily. The children can't wait for the next one.'
The P5–P7 pupils who logged in along with Fiona were equally impressed. 'It was amazing to be able to be part of the Meet,' said one of the pupils. While another commented: 'Anthony gave us great tips for writing stories.'
Users with a Glow log-in can download this Glow Meet at www.Glowhelp.me/horowitz
Getting things moving
Glow Meet sessions run by international educational animator Oscar Stringer have inspired pupils in Scottish schools to get creative. Oscar demonstrated animation techniques during the online workshops while pupils endeavoured to copy him.
A session for absolute beginners was filmed and broadcast from Newmains Primary, North Lanarkshire, while a second session for those with some experience with animation was filmed at Highdykes Primary, West Dunbartonshire.
Some of the comments posted via Glow Meet's text facility capture the enthusiasm of participants. For instance, Christine MacDonald, primary teacher and ICT Co-ordinator, Ladywell Primary School, commented: 'We all really enjoyed Oscar's animation session and we are moving frames to iMovie and QuickTime as I type!'
Illustrating good practice in delivering Curriculum for Excellence, Glow Meets have been a big hit among teachers and pupils. There will be many more opportunities to get involved in the year ahead.
More Glow Meets coming soon
The 2009/10 school year will play host to another exciting line-up of Glow Meet sessions. Glowing Thursday sessions will also cover a wide selection of issues. A list of these will be posted on www.glowhelp.me/thursdays in August.